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UK hotel owner takes on global online agents
A UK hotel owner has launched its own UK accommodation site to stop global online agents monopolising the industry.
Simon and Wendy Bennett, owners of Augill Castle in Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, have set up bestroomsdirect.com to encourage travellers not to use global agents.
They claim the global online agents monopolize the travel industry, taking up to 25% commission from independent accommodation providers and often not paying tax in the UK.
The booking site urges consumers to join the ‘Fair Booking Movement’ and book directly with independent hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs to receive the best available rates and rooms, as well as supporting Britain’s economy.
The Bennetts are inviting British accommodation providers to get behind the campaign.
Wendy said: "To avoid a future choice limited to faceless, bland, corporate hotel chains, it is imperative that Britain’s independent hotels, guesthouses and B&B’s come together to raise awareness of the importance of direct booking and we are trying to harness this strength in numbers with Best Rooms Direct.
"Global booking sites are monopolizing the travel industry, taking a huge slice of our income and making it even harder for tourism businesses to stay afloat."
Bestroomsdirect.com is not a booking site but has an extensive database of unique places to stay across the country and doesn’t charge commission on bookings.
Diane
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